Geo wiz

Eighth-grader Patrick Dircks from John F. Kennedy Middle School became a back-to-back-to-back winner of the school’s Geography Bee on Jan. 10.

Social studies classes in grades sixth through eight held their own contests prior to the schoolwide finals competition to determine who would participate in the Geography Bee. Principal Kevin Fullerton officiated the finals as students gathered in the auditorium to answer questions that covered topics including United States and world geography.

Patrick has held the title of school Geography Bee champion for three years in a row by winning the finals and will now take the next step of an online written test for the 31st annual National Geographic Bee. He aims to advance to the state championship round for the third straight year as well.

The top 100 scorers on the test in each state are eligible to compete in their state bee. State winners advance to the national championship rounds in Washington, D.C., for the chance to win a $50,000 college scholarship.

“It is remarkable that Patrick has won this contest three years in a row,” said Principal Kevin Fullerton. “We look forward to him advancing and wish him luck in the next round!”